You've Been Streambaited

If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll know we like to look at a lot of different aspects of the music industry. We’re here for the grime (not the genre) as much as the enjoyment of the market. And while streambaiting isn’t new, you’ll typically only have heard the term if you are very into the industry. But whether you like it or not, you are part of the machine, and knowledge is power.

So what is streambaiting then? And why are we all involved?

Before we go further, we are in no way saying that any artists mentioned haven’t worked hard to get to where they are. They are part of a machine that they ‘need’ to be in to make it in the industry.

Streambaiting is the combination of streaming services offering targeted content. Purpose-built artists and playlists for you, in the form of studio specials. And, songs designed to feed the algorithm (and with it, you). We’ve covered industry plants, and they fit firmly in the former category. And hey, some of them we accept and love. The latter, however, is music created for just one thing. Numbers.

A song is built like a shiny fishing lure. The glitter is the marketing. Social buzz, playlist placements, TikTok teasers. All flashing just enough to grab you. You’re the fish. The lure is the combined pull of the streaming platform and the record label. The hook is the real trap. A precision-engineered psychological trigger wrapped in music. Short intros. A chorus shoved at you within seconds. Melodies that feel instantly familiar. The moment you bite, the algorithm scores the win, and you’re reeled in before you even know it.

And sure, you might think, maybe I just like the song. Maybe you do. But liking it doesn’t mean it wasn’t designed to catch you. That’s the point. Streambait works because it feels natural. It’s meant to make you think you found it, when really, it found you.

Hooked. Played. Streambaited.

There is a lot to be said for how we listen to music now compared to the way it used to be. It used to be that sitting in a concert hall for three hours, listening to long classical pieces, was all we had. We can now tap an app and listen to three minutes while sitting on the toilet (if you want to). That always needs to be a consideration when we talk about things like this, the natural progression of things as technology and connectivity improve.

However, streambaiting isn’t about how you enjoy music best; it is about taking what marketing bodies know and have access to and using it (almost against you). It is about creating music for (streaming) numbers, and with all of the psychological tools implemented, you’ll probably even enjoy it.

Intros are shorter now, because we’re deep in the skip economy, you’re going to get to the meat of the song in a couple of seconds. There are, of course, outliers here, but often established artists will have the longer intros (‘cause fans will stay, and hit repeat)- action upfront to engage your ears. Spotify’s own algorithm deprioritises tracks skipped before 30 seconds, which is why so many songs now hit you with the hook almost immediately.

The catchy bit up front. We’re used to verse - chorus - verse - chorus and so on. But now the catchiest bit comes earlier. Choruses are hooks, and the earlier you hear it, the more your brain registers you as ‘hooked’.

Throw in a dash of deja vu now. It’ll be in the chord progression, lyrics that sound like something you’ve heard before, a sample neatly placed - so much so you might not even notice it. Each detail is to soothe your brain; this isn’t new, you know this (except it is new and no you don’t), instant acceptance.

Most pop tracks will sit between 2.30 and 3.15. Sounds short, right? It is intentionally not taking up your time; you’re going to hit rewind and listen again. Big wins.

How can you tell if you’re being streambaited? Well, if they are really good at their job, you won’t be able to. And let’s be realistic, if you were getting paid millions, you’d get it right too.

We’re getting got!

Yes, and no. No, if you don’t care about it, yes if you do (but also yes, even if you don’t, it impacts the industry either way). Simple. Every time we take the bait, we are flashing big neon signs and data points for streaming services to push that track more. Zero real fan engagement and yet millions of plays.

Not that the artists haven’t worked hard to get their 2-3 minutes of fame, but they won’t have the longevity some of the world’s biggest stars do.

They (the artists) deserve better, and so do we. Fresh music is drowning under the phenomenal weight of the well-engineered tracks. And we are standing on the backs of these perfectly executed tracks, adding extra weight. And, this conversation was started more than 6 years ago. Before we had the TikTok clip and viral factory. If anything, it just gets worse.

Are we and our 20,000 readers going to change it all? No, we aren’t. But our goal is to always present you with the problems and the solutions, on a personal level. So if you aren’t interested in being streambaited, just be more cognizant of how you are using your chosen streaming platform. Imagine your plays are cash, votes, or even your last fry - give them the value they deserve and spend them wisely.

Streambait works because it feels like choice. It’s engineered to feel personal, to trick you into thinking you’re in control. The truth is, every skip, save, and replay you make feeds a system designed to keep you biting.

We’re not telling you to stop loving catchy songs. We’re saying know when you’re being played. Spot the lure. Spot the hook. Decide if it’s worth taking the bait.

Your plays are currency. Spend them like they matter. And, we will do the same.

Until next time,